Money Talks

WONDERWORKS and faculty of the SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND ARTS and the SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, RICE UNIVERSITY present an exploration of economics, innovation, and business 

15 June – 17 July 2026 | 10AM - 4PM, M-F | Rice University

To cherish and stimulate the activity of the human mind, by multiplying the objects of enterprise, is not among the least considerable of the expedients, by which the wealth of a nation may be promoted.

Alexander Hamilton, Report on the Subject of Manufactures, 1791

Optimization of the means of production for the common good is an underlying concern of post-industrial economies.  So much so that the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to three researchers for advances in the study of innovation and its influence on early-modern and modern economies. Yet as one of the laureates–Philippe Aghion of INSEAD and the London School of Economics–observed, the award also came at a time when neo-protectionism and steep declines in funding for basic research and innovation may well stall the astonishing progress witnessed/experienced since World War II, for which Keynes had such high hopes. 

The bottom line? There’s much to think and learn about this summer, since economics, business, and finance and the innovations on which they thrive, are now —however strange as it may seem–the stuff of headlines and movies, as well as dreams.  Mornings begin with a lecture/presentation plus Q and A. Afternoons typically start with highlights from news on business and finance (from Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, New York Times), “case studies,” films, secondary presentations, and group activities (“business plans” etc.).  An all-day out-of-town field trip to Dallas to visit the Federal Reserve Bank and Goldman Sachs is included.

Money Talks is open to high school students of special promise and ability who will be entering grades 10, 11, or 12 next fall or who will have just graduated from high school this spring. Admission is competitive – Wonderworks requires at least a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average plus a high level of achievement in relevant core subjects and commensurate scores on relevant sections of the PSAT/SAT or ACT.

Tuition and fees (including field trips but not parking) are $1000. Scholarships are available in the form of full-tuition waivers, but only for students demonstrating true financial need. Admissions are determined on a need-blind basis. No student will be prevented from participating in the program because of inability to pay tuition.

The program is held at the Rice University campus, Monday – Friday, except 19 June and 3 July. Money Talks is meant to be enjoyable, but is also challenging and requires focused effort and commitment.

Please apply online starting 1 January. To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 1 June. Early applications are encouraged and will receive early decisions. Late applications will be considered only if space remains available.

If you have questions or need additional information, please e-mail info@wonderworkshouston.org.